Volunteers needed to count bald eagles

March 9, 2009 12:00:00 AM PDT

The U.S. Forest Service is looking for volunteers to count bald eagles in the San Bernardino and San Jacinto Mountains Saturday, March 14.You don't need any experience, just dress warmly and bring a pair of binoculars. Volunteers will be stationed at vantage points around mountain lakes.

This month's eagle count is particularly important since last month's was cancelled due to bad weather.

Catching a glimpse of our breathtaking national symbol is relatively easy during winter months. There are some fantastic opportunities for excellent close-up photographs too.

The San Bernardino Mountains support the largest wintering bald eagle population in southern California. Eagles typically begin arriving in the area in late November and stay in the area until early April. The number of eagles using the Big Bear Basin have fluctuated over the past 22 years, from lows of six to seven, to highs of 35 to 40.

Volunteers for the Big Bear Lake area should meet at the San Bernardino National Forest Discovery Center on North Shore Drive (Hwy 38) at 8 a.m. Contact Robin Eliason, reliason@fs.fed.us ; (909)382-2832 or 382-2794.

Volunteers for the Lake Arrowhead area should meet at the Arrowhead Ranger Station on Hwy 18 in Skyforest at 8 a.m. Contact Robin Eliason, reliason@fs.fed.us ; (909) 382-2832.